At the end of June, I shared my updated running goals for 2016. Some of my goals for the first half of the year had already been accomplished, while others had less significance as the year went on and other goals took priority. Reassessing my goals and shifting my focus as needed helped me start off the summer strong!
PR in the Marathon
I begin training for the California International Marathon on Monday, August 1 with the first month focusing on speed development, neuromuscular fitness, and building my base up a bit more. I’ll share more details about my plan next week; meanwhile, I’m excited to start!
Improve Fueling and Hydration
Marathon fueling and hydration are an ever-evolving art for each individual runner. Again, this is something I plan on sharing more about in detail, but my current plan is to experiment with what I call high/low training. On some long runs I’ll run with fuel to teach my body how to use its fat and glycogen stores, on other long runs (especially ones near or at marathon pace) I will practice fueling to train my stomach for race day (I talk briefly about it in the podcast interview I did with Diz Runs with…, and I’ll also be sharing more in an upcoming blog post).
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Improve Running Form and Stride
Over the past month, I incorporated hill repeats, strides, drills, and specific strength exercises such as hamstring ball curls and plank rows to improve my running form. I still have a significant amount of progress, since these improvements require months of focused work. In addition to continuing these, I plan on adding hill sprints, mobility work such as MYRTLs, and jump rope (to improve turnover and cadence) into my weekly training.
Strengthen Core
I was diligent about my core work in July, with stability ball workouts and Pilates each at least once per week plus planks after my weight lifting workout. My core already feels stronger on runs, back to how it felt during the peak of my half marathon training, but as with many aspects of training, this continues to require consistency – no backing off just because there’s been some progress.
Optimize My Nutrition for Peak Performance
As I mentioned in my update on how eating less meat has impacted my running, I know that I will need to focus particularly on eating more protein for recovery during marathon training. I don’t skimp on protein by any means, but I know that as my activity levels increase, so will my nutritional needs.
I do firmly believe that you can consume enough protein without supplementation from protein powder, even if you are on a vegetarian diet. However, we all know how long distance running can throw off our appetites and cravings. Sometimes, the last thing you want after a hard long speed workout is to sit down and eat a large meal. All I want after a long run is some coconut water, salt, and carbs on carbs on carbs (especially oatmeal and lots of fruit).
Research demonstrates that running can suppress your appetite, particularly after a hard effort. I have enough of an appetite to manage my normal bowl of oatmeal (made with rolled oats, egg, chia seeds, and fruit/vegetables), but adding anything more is not always desirable during that key hour window for recovery nutrition.
Bob’s Red Mill’s Nutritional Booster Protein Powder is a plant-based (pea powder), vegan and gluten free protein powder (no soy, no whey) that adds additional protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids into your post-run breakfast or snack even when you’re experiencing that post-run appetite suppression. I chose this one over any other protein powders because of the nutritional profile: protein for muscle recovery, carbs to help replenish your glycogen stores during that prime recovery window, and omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation.
After my long runs and hard workouts, I will add Bob’s Red Mill protein powder to my post-run breakfast. Recovery is a top priority during marathon training, and that priority begins with proper nutrition after my morning run.
Plus, Ryan and I are still enjoying these chocolate protein pancakes each weekend. They’re delicious and offer the indulgence of a sweet breakfast but without the sugar crash thanks to the complex carbohydrates and higher protein content.
[Tweet “Why I’m using @BobsRedMill protein powder for post-run nutrition #summerstrong #bobsredmill #fuelyourawesomeness #sweatpink @FitApproach “]
You can enter to win a bag of Bob’s Red Mill Nutritional Booster Protein Powder at the bottom of this post!
Lift Heavier Weight Once Per Week
Another check! This short and effective routine from Runner’s World has been my favorite for the past month. My apartment gym does not have barbells, so instead I use dumbbells for all the movements. Right now I’m ranging 3 sets of 8-10 reps at 25-30 lbs for each exercise, which are higher compared to the 10-15 lb weights I used to lift.
Grow My Coaching Business
Each week over the past few months I have had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a mastermind group with three other knowledgeable, supportive, hard-working coaches (Susie, Denny, and Nora). I may be a coaching business of one, but the mentorship and community support is truly what makes a difference through the ups and downs of coaching.
[Tweet “How are you working towards your #running #goals this summer? #summerstrong #fuelyourawesomeness @thisrecipes”]
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Fit Approach. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you for your support of This Runner’s Recipes!
Linking up with Thinking Out Loud!
How are you achieving your goals this summer?
How many weeks do you devote to marathon training?
What’s your biggest goal for next month?
22 Responses
I love reading your updates. I’m going to look for the Bob’s Red Mill Protein Powder next time I go into civilization.
Thank you so much, Patty! You can also order the protein powders off of Bob’s Red Mill website – no need for a trip to the store 🙂
I am excited that you start marathon training next week! and every time I see you mention core work, I think about how I want you to one day try Pure Barre. I swear the strength it has given me in my core is incredible. I never thought I would be strong there!
Thank you – me too! I tried Barre 3 a few years ago and did it fairly regularly for a few months, but I’ve just somehow always gravitated back towards pilates. They do have fairly similar principles though!
I love how you said marathon fueling is an ever evolving art…it’s so true! And even when you think you’ve nailed it, your body can actually change, forcing you to experiment all over again! Sounds like you are laser focused on your goals…can’t wait to read more about your training!
Thank you, Michelle! It sure is – and that’s not to even account for how external factors can differ. That’s what makes marathons so addicting, I think!
You’ve done amazing things with your coaching business, meanwhile I feel like I started off so strong and now am floundering. Send some of that my way (I’m assuming your powers regenerate!).
Girl, you are still going strong – we both know the business has ebbs and flows, ups and downs. I’m not sure if my power regenerate but hopefully the mastermind group continues to help us both (although I am hoping that yours and Nora’s marathon speed powers regenerate and spread.)
I am a big fan of protein shakes. It’s so hot here (it was 97 degrees during my run last night), and after such a hot run, I don’t want to eat and I just want something COLD. In fact, hot food in general just isn’t appealing when the heat index is 105. Smoothies help with that, it cools me down.
I typically make it right after my run, go shower and recover while my smoothie is chilling out in the freezer to get extra cold, then come drink it. It’s the consistency of a milkshake and I like that (I blend with cold brew coffee and frozen banana and ice).
That smoothie sounds good! Especially with the cold brew coffee, YUM.
Oh, I like Amy’s idea of sticking the smoothie in the freezer for a bit first! Cold brew coffee would be really good with the Bob’s chocolate protein powder. YUM.
I know! That’s what I’m thinking. The vanilla would be good also.
Sounds like you are doing a great job with your goals! After a long run, all I crave is a cold smoothie bowl.
Thank you, Sarah! Smoothie bowls sound great after a hot summer run.
Hey Laura! These all sound like great goals! I had no idea Bob’s Red Mill makes protein powder. I use their flour blends for baking but have never seen the protein! I don’t eat red meat or pork, so I rely pretty heavily on protein powders too to get my protein in during training. I started training for a half this past Monday and it feels great to be back in the groove of training. Where in California is your marathon?
Hi Natalie – thank you! Bob’s Red Mill only recently released their protein powders. I love their flours for baking as well (they’re such high-quality!) and the protein powders do not disappoint – I highly recommend them! The California International Marathon is in Sacramento and in December – perfect racing weather. Good luck on your half marathon training!
I’m always on the lookout for a good plant-based protein powder since the whey ones kind of jack up my stomach, but I don’t think I’ve seen a protein powder from Bob’s Red Mill around here… I’ll have to keep an eye out!
It’s fairly new, so online may be the easiest place to purchase it – definitely worth looking into! Many soy and whey proteins don’t agree with my stomach either, but I have not experienced any issues with this one. It even has probiotics in it to improve gut health!
Nice job on crushing those goals! It sounds like you’re in great place to kick off marathon training next week, exciting. While getting my long runs done in the summer has been tough, I’m so glad I’ve stuck with consistent weekly hill training! I think it is really helping with running form, speed, and strength.
Thank you! Weekly hill training really does pay off – especially for form which is so important for marathoners!
I need to work on strengthening my core too! Good luck on your August goals <3
Blessings,
Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.wordpress.com
Thank you – good luck on your goals as well! 🙂